It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but a win nonetheless as the Minnesota Vikings beat the Dallas Cowboys 24-21 in the hyped-up “Panic Bowl.” The Vikings were the only team in the NFC North to grab a win this past Sunday while the other three teams all lost in close games decided by single digits.
If Week Six provided any message about the NFC North, it was regarding the division title being up for grabs.
Here’s a look at each team in the highly competitive NFC North:
By: Nick Grays
1.) Chicago Bears 4-2 (Week 7: Washington Redskins)
It was only a matter of time before the Bears’ defense would falter due to the offense’s inability to convert on third down. I just didn’t think it would happen at Soldier Field to an inconsistent Seattle Seahawks team. The Bears were 0-for-8 on third down and allowed wide-receiver Mike Williams to grab ten receptions for 123 yards en route to a 23-20 victory. Jay Cutler wasn’t horrible in his return (17/39 and 290 yards), but surely will miss another game soon if he’s sacked six times like he was this week. Another loss at home in week seven could have Bears fans wondering what kind of team they really have in the Windy City.
2.) Green Bay Packers 3-3 (Week 7: Minnesota Vikings)
Another week, another overtime loss to a game-winning field goal. Similar to the Packers heart-wrenching loss in Washington, the Packers fell 23-20 in overtime to the Miami Dolphins. This one hurt even more as it occurred in Green Bay and it was fairly obvious the defense had no answer for Miami when they wanted to move the ball. In an attempt to stay away from depressing Packers fans even more, there is some hope for optimism. Rumor has it, Ted Thompson has been making calls to the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens about acquiring Marion Barber or Willis McGahee before the trade deadline today. The Packers will need all the help they can get when the Vikings come to town on Sunday Night.
3.) Minnesota Vikings 2-3 (Week 7: at Green Bay Packers)
Hallelujah, the Vikings are not the biggest disappointment in the NFC. That title belongs to the Dallas Cowboys who gift-wrapped a 24-21 win for the Vikings. I would like to compliment the Vikings offense, but it’s not possible as they accumulated a measly total of 188 yards. If not for a 95-yard kick-off return from Percy Harvin to open up the third quarter, I’m not sure the Vikings would have had the firepower to win this game. Luckily for the Vikings, they will face an injury-plagued Packers’ defense next week. Barring the status of the Chicago Bears, this could be an important round in the deciding of the NFC North front-runner.
4.) Detroit Lions 1-5 (Week 7: Bye)
It may appear that nothing has changed for the Detroit Lions since my first NFC North review in week three, but that couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, they still are losing games by the bunches, but those who have watched them have to agree they are much improved from the team who couldn’t win a game a couple of years ago. Against a streaking New York Giants team, the Lions stuck around to the end, despite losing their second quarterback of the year to injury. Michigan State alum Drew Stanton did all he could to bring the Lions back, but fell just short in a 28-20 loss. Good news for Lions fans is that Matthew Stafford could be back from the shoulder injury following the bye week.
Let me know what you think about the NFC North by commenting below!
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